In 2021 the Door County Half Marathon emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic on the last Saturday of October, far from its usual early May date. Watching participants enjoy a great run in the park on a beautiful late fall day provided the inspiration to continue hosting a fall event in Peninsula State Park.

With the Door County Half Marathon returning to spring in 2022, the search for a new event concept began. Door County boasts a number of unique road races but has long lacked a true trail running event, which is disappointing considering the many parks and trails that are available. With that realization, a group of local trail runners and our event planning team developed the idea that is now Pen Park Trails Fest.
On November 4th, 2023 forty runners set out onto either the 30k or 14k routes for the Pen Park Trails Fest “test run.” Starting from Welcker’s Point Shelter, covering most of the park’s trails, making some new friends, and enjoying post-race burgers, brats, and beers the Pen Park Trails Fest story started and solidified itself as an idea worth keeping.
